Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World

by Kent M. Keith

Book Overview

These ten principles were first articulated by Kent Keith as a student at Harvard in the 1960s. Since then, unbeknownst to him, they were quoted, circulated, and appropriated by countless people... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425195430
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.2" x 0.4" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

Good philosophy

The Paradoxical Commandments are some simple commandments that combine to make an excellent philosophy for living. The author teaches the joys and virtues of doing good things for the sake of doing them, without expecting yourself to be advanced or bettered in any way, and doing them even when it puts you at risk of becoming vulnerable or gaining false friends and true enemies. Each chapter is just a few pages long, perfect for reading a chapter a night before turning out the light, which is what I've been doing. The result has been countless little situations during the day - choices between good and bad, right and wrong - during which these little "commandments" come to mind. This is a wonderful read for anyone, especially those who sometimes wonder if even the little daily choices we each make make any difference. The author shows you they really do.

Buy the Book!

This fabulous book is packed with wonderful wisdom. The author shares a series of interesting life stories that are enjoyable and convey a deep truth about the human experience. His writing leaves you renewed and inspired, providing a new perspective about the events and people that shape our lives. The main elements are the ten Paradoxical Commandments themselves. They combine to form a positive message about life and the human spirit. This enriching message frees you to be yourself, and give the world the best you have. The Commandments are so powerful that for years they have circled the entire globe, continually passed from person to person. Now, the original author takes you on his path of discovery. I urge you to read this book; it will refresh your soul.

A gift to the world

Kent Keith's book is a gift to us all. After reading it, I thought I'd give a copy to each of my sons for the holidays. Now, (since 911) I think that they need it immediately. In a day when we might ask ourselves, "Why should I do something for my brother when I am being hurt?" Keith explains the natural tendency we all have to give, forgive, move-on, and grow. As he wrote, "You shouldn't stop loving and helping others just because others don't seem to appreciate you," a central message of the book. The Paradoxical Commandments is a gem I will treasure and look to repeatedly whenever life gets tough and I feel my compassion depleting, whenever I want more than I already have, and whenever I just want to know that there is someone on this earth who, no matter what, will love me for what I am. This book is ageless, timeless, invigorating, validating, and consoling. Thank you Mr. Keith.

Paradoxical Commandments

What a joy to read this book. The writing is simple and clear, the stories and anecdotes are relevant. My reaction to each ranged from touching (Seventh Commandment) to anger (Fifth Commandment) to the realization that "Hey, wait, I already do some of these." OK, maybe not all the time, but I have a good headstart and I can do better, starting with my family and friends, then community, and even the world!I read this book Monday evening, September 10th. On Tuesday, the entire world needed to read this book.